Phra Nakhon Games: A New Era of Eco-Conscious Sports for the Next Generation
BANGKOK, February 2026 – Amidst roaring cheers and creative parades, the 40th Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUT) Games, known as “Phra Nakhon Games,” officially commenced. Hosted this year by Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), the event has drawn over 3,000 participants, reflecting a powerful spirit of unity among the nine RMUT campuses nationwide.
Beyond the thrill of the competition, the Phra Nakhon Games has transformed into a massive platform for environmental advocacy under the concept: “Phra Nakhon Games Go Green: Game On, Green On.” Through strategic partnerships with the public and private sectors, the event focuses on carbon footprint reduction and efficient waste management.
Innovative Green Initiatives
RMUTP has implemented several key “Green” measures across its Thewet and Bangkok Commercial Campus, where athletes are accommodated:
- Waste Segregation Stations: Clearly categorized bins are placed throughout the venues to facilitate easy recycling.
- ECOLIFE in U: In line with Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) policies, this application is used to educate and cultivate environmental awareness among students.
- Single-Use Plastic Reduction: Participants are encouraged to use personal water flasks to combat the global crisis of plastic pollution.
- EV Transportation: Through a partnership with Thai Smile Bus Co., Ltd., electric buses are used to shuttle athletes between the four main competition venues. Over the seven-day period, this initiative is estimated to reduce $CO_2$ emissions by an amount equivalent to planting 5,600 trees.
Ms.Chulalak Jamnoiprom, President of the RMUTP Student Council, emphasized the importance of student-led action:
“Large events naturally generate significant waste. As student representatives, we want our peers to see that sports and sustainability go hand-in-hand. It starts with simple habits—finishing our meals to prevent food waste, using cloth bags, and refusing plastic bags. These small steps collectively make a massive difference.”
Athletes from across the RMUT network have also voiced their support:
- Mr.Nira Kamonthiprod-damrong (RMUT Thanyaburi): “A healthy environment is essential for peak athletic performance. I’ve switched to natural, biodegradable containers and I’m encouraging everyone to sort their waste before disposal.”
- Mr.Alongkorn Namkham (RMUT Tawan-ok): “My university has waste sorting points everywhere, which has built a lasting habit in me. Seeing the Phra Nakhon Games prioritize the environment is a great starting point for ensuring clean air for our future.”
RMUTP envisions the “Phra Nakhon Games Go Green: Game On, Green On” as more than just a sports tournament. It serves as a catalyst for Thai youth to embrace physical fitness while becoming stewards of the planet, proving that the spirit of competition can drive a sustainable future.